The Hindu 08.08.2012
Phase I of road widening project to be completed next year
PWD takes up repair of 11 city roads
The first phase of a four-lane road project involving upgrading of the 12-km stretch from Puzhakkal to Kaiparambu junction (State Highway 69) is likely to be completed next year.
“Efforts are being made to avoid any delay in road works,” said K.D. Ashokan, assistant executive engineer, Public Works Department.
The project includes turning the 19.5-km State Highway from Paramekkavu Bhagavathi Temple to Choondal Junction into a 15.5 metre four-lane road.
The road stretches along the Chembukkavu junction, Aswini junction, Paturaikkal junction, Pookunnam junction, Puzhakkal road, Mundur junction and Kaiparambu junction.
Land unavailable
“The stretch from Mundur junction will be changed only to a three-lane one because land for widening is not available,” said Sunil Dutt, PWD overseer.
Road works at the Puzhakkal-Mundur-Kaiparambu stretch are progressing, added Mr. Dutt.An amount of Rs.34 crore has been sanctioned by the State government for the project. A Kochi-based contractor has undertaken the work.
“The second phase of the project will include large-scale land acquisition. The procedures will start only after the first phase,” said Mr. Ashokan.
Repair of city roads
The Public Works Department has also undertaken a project to repair 11 major corporation roads.The project includes re-tarring of roads, renovation of footpath and drainage works.
“All the major corporation roads in the city will be reconstructed by March 2013. By September, tiles will be laid and drainage work completed,” said PWD assistant engineer E.I. Sajith
The 11 major corporation roads include Father Vadakkan Road, TB Road (to Kokkala Junction), KSRTC Road, road from Poothole to West Fort junction, Karunakaran Nambiar Road, road from PWD Rest House Junction to St. Thomas College Junction, Nellikkunnu Road, Bishop Palace Road, road from West Fort Junction to Poonkunnam Junction.
